As I attempted to clean up some of the old folders on my computer today I came across a few stories from my time as an assistant sports editor for Kent State's student run newspaper, The Daily Kent Stater. One of them happened to be the 2006-2007 meeting with the same Shawnee State Bears they are facing tonight. So I figured I would get a little nostalgic and post it as a bit of a primer for this evening's game. Enjoy...

With a little over 10 minutes left in the first half the Kent State men’s basketball team was off to a slow start against Shawnee State Friday night and were looking for a spark. With the score 16-13 their spark plug came alive in the form of senior guard Omni Smith.

Two seasons ago the Kent State men’s basketball team traveled to the Wolstein Center and were beaten by an underdog Cleveland State team, snapping a seven-game winning streak against the Vikings.

The game was just one of thirteen out-of-conference games (they were 7-6 after those games) that left much speculation as to whether Kent State’s run of 20-win seasons would come to an end. By the end of the season, the Flashes were overachieving and contending in a 21-11 season.

Just came across a nice little tidbit on everyone’s favorite former Kent State football player James Harrison. Turns out, Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy believes the Steeler's linebacker is the legitimate MVP of the NFL this season.

Note: Being the baseball zealot that I am, I decided it would be interesting to do a series of post highlighting former Kent State baseball players who are now affiliated with major league clubs. Each post will highlight a former Kent State baseball player and "How They Fared" — catchy name huh? — throughout their major or minor league seasons. today is last year's KSU ace Chris Carpenter. Let me know what you think or ways we could make it better at jfortune@thebeaconjournal.com

Ladies and gents, the day we have all been waiting for is finally upon us. Kent State junior guard Tyree Evans will finally see his first game action for the blue and gold against UNC Greensboro tonight at the M.A.C. Center.

It’s about time. After dealing with all his off court issues – from his history to his eligibility – it is time to see if he is worth all the hype.

I know it’s been a while and I apologize. Finals week left me fairly well drained. Anyways, Now would be as good a time as ever to do a quick run down of some of the Kent State happenings.

MEN’S BASKETBALLOuch, a five game losing streak, isn’t exactly what is expected out of a Kent State team that has been dominant the last 10 years, but a lot of it has to do with scheduling. Over the past few years, KSU has played a lot of schools like New Hampshire and Shawnee State during their non conference slate.

The Kent State men’s basketball team (3-4) had its 18-game home winning streak snapped 75-69 Thursday by the Gaels of St. Mary’s (6-1) at the M.A.C. Center.

Junior center Brandon Parks fueled a 13-1 run late in the first half to tie the score at 30, but the Flashes were unable to show enough consistency in the second half to secure the win. Parks paced the Flashes with 16 points and eight rebounds. Junior Chris Singletary added 16 points as well.